PANAJI
Claiming that an increase in diesel rates and poor business has been their profession unviable, the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA) on Thursday has reiterated their demand for a hike in bus fares.
"At least, the price for the initial 3 kms should be increased by Rs 10,” said Sudip Tamhankar President of AGPBOA.
“It has been difficult for private bus operators to survive in the transport business due to a reduction in income as they are carrying fewer of passengers due to Covid related restrictions. Besides, bus fares were last revised in 2016.”
“We have submitted our proposal to the government for revision in bus fares and we hope the government will consider our demand in view of a hike in diesel prices,” he said.
Tamhankar said the AGPBOA has also submitted a memorandum to the transport department to immediately release subsidies under the fuel subsidy scheme, insurance subsidy scheme, and old bus replacement scheme.
“These subsidies have not been released by the transport department since the inception of this scheme despite the government allocating money in the budget for the schemes. We have submitted memorandums at least thrice demanding to release grants under the schemes, but the government has not done so,” said Tamhankar.
Tamhankar also claimed that the transport department since the last two months has not appointed a new clerk to replace the clerk who passed away due to Covid related complications and was handling the applications of bus owners.
